Avoidance Test with Earthworms

• Compost worm: Eisenia fetida

Test principle

• The test analyses the effect of contaminants on the avoidance behaviour of earthworms (Eisenia fetida) after 2-day exposure in naturally polluted soil against natural or artificial soil dosed with known contaminant concentrations.

Analysed parameters

• Avoidance behaviour

Test duration

• 2 days

Relevance

• Short test duration

• Test sensitivity: avoidance reactions in sublethal concentrations

• Reflects bioavailability of contaminants in the soil

• Allows assessment of the soil regarding its habitat function

Video Tutorial